Island Park 2020
By: Edward Arthur Dalton & The Dream Chasing Family
Hello again, this time from the the “Land of Elk”… and buffalo, bear, wolf, hydrothermal and geologic wonders - and much much more!
A special thanks to all of Sarah’s family for making this memorable getaway happen! Sarah’s mother came up with the idea over a year ago to all coop up in a cabin together in the wilderness - a potentially disastrous idea for even the most close-knit of families. Haha
Add a pinch of Covid-19 anxiety, and varying political views to the mix (courtesy of 2020) - and a second opinion would almost certainly say the trip was doomed from the start. Well, fortunately, we defied the odds and had a “blast” the likes of Old Faithful!
In fact, I'd say relationships we're only strengthened through all the adventure we had together in ”wonderland” - a nickname given to the area in 1885 after the completion of the Northern Pacific Railroad. In an ad campaign launched by the railroad to promote Yellowstone tourism at the time, they depicted the park as America’s ”New Wonderland”, capitalizing on the current popularity of Lewis Carroll’s book “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”.
The ad even depicted a fictional endorsement from Alice herself, giving breathtaking descriptions of Yellowstone’s geography. “The Park, let me tell you, is an extensive area literally crowded with natural curiosities of the most wonderful character,” she touted . “Tell me, is this not Wonderland?”
Alice was absolutely right. This region is one of the last truly wild places, and we thoroughly enjoyed exploring it.
“There can be nothing in the world more beautiful than . . . the Canyon of the Yellowstone, [and] the Three Tetons; and our people should see to it that they are preserved for their children and their children’s children forever, with their majestic beauty all unmarred.”
If you liked this adventure, Check out our wintery Island Park trip here!
Travel
Traveling to Island Park is straight forward. However, it is located amid some of the most beautiful wilderness in the west. That being said, the area is vast and potentially unforgiving, especially during the bitter cold winter months. An all-wheel drive vehicle will prove itself priceless whether It’s snow packed roads in the winter, or gravel roads in the summer. For this reason, Snowmobiling and ATV-ing are popular ways to navigate the sprawling landscape.
Lodging
We stayed in Island Park at the Big Pine Lodge. It’s location is ideal for exploring Island Park, the greater Yellowstone area, and the Targhee National Forest.
Dining & Food
There is not much in the way of grocery stores in the immediate vicinity. Though there are convenience stores, we did all our shopping prior to our arrival, and made all our meals at the cabin. But if your itching to avoid the dishes for a meal and eat out, Boondocks Restaurant is a local favorite!
Adventures
Explore Targhee National Forest.
Visit majestic Mesa Falls.
Catch huge trout at Henry’s Lake.
Enjoy your favorite water sports on Island Park Reservoir.
Float the Henry’s Fork River from Big Springs to Mack’s Inn.
Run, hike & bike.
Packing List
Swimwear, towel & sunscreen
Hiking shoes
Light jacket
Firewood
Bikes
Paddle board & life jackets
Fishing gear & tackle
Grocerys
Camera
Camp chairs & hammocks